Today the San Francisco SPCA announced that 554 homeless animals had received assistance last year thanks to the Maddie's Fund Treatable Assistance Program (TAP). The TAP is a pilot program that helps northern California shelters find homes for senior animals, or those with treatable medical conditions, who were transferred from animal control shelters. The TAP provides a stipend when those animals are adopted, and in 2013 the SF SPCA received $419,300.

The funds went to help animals like Kenya, who was part of a litter of kittens transferred to the SF SPCA from San Francisco Animal Care and Control. Kenya had developed a severe upper respiratory infection as well as conjunctivitis, and was nursed back to health by SF SPCA staff before being made available for adoption. He's now happy, healthy, and in a new home.

"We're very grateful to Maddie's Fund for helping us provide care and treatment for so many homeless animals," said Krista Maloney, the SF SPCA's media relations associate. "The Treatable Assistance Program has been an enormous help for animals like Kenya, who need a little extra TLC before they start meeting potential adopters."

Tasha is another example of those who received assistance thanks to the Maddie's Fund TAP. Tasha was an eight-year-old Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd mix who became homeless when her guardian had to move. Before finding her new home, Tasha needed dental surgery. Thanks to the Maddie's Fund TAP, she received the medical care she needed and is now enjoying her new life in a quiet home in Mendocino.